This Christmas reflection examines the crucial distinction between fleeting religious experiences and the enduring life of discipleship. Pastor Jeremy Berg contrasts the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Magi to a singular moment of worship, with the Morning Star mentioned by Peter, which symbolizes the necessary, continuous rise of Christ within the believer’s heart. … More Two Stars: Super-Surrender to Supernova
Many of us are in danger of simply taking in these sights and sounds, and like the magi 2,000 years ago we must decide if we’re going to seek and discover for ourselves the greater reality to which all these shiny things ultimately point. Will we settle for the sparkle and shine that surrounds this season, or will we choose to look beyond them and follow their glow to the real thing? … More We Love Shiny Things
In this podcast series, see how the Beatitudes of the Kingdom were anticipated in the unlikely cast of characters who make up the Nativity Story. … More Advent Podcast Series
The story of the wise men on camels bringing their gifts is intertwined with the story of an insecure, paranoid, narcissistic tyrant orchestrating terror and chaos from his palatial office. Listen to the familiar story again, this time with your eyes glued on the pathetic sociopath spinning lies and plotting peril in the Christmas story. … More Tyranny & the Wise Way Out
This is the idea Jesus has in mind when he says, “Blessed are the undivided in heart or single-minded in devotion, for they will have eyes to see God when he passes by in unexpected places and wearing strange disguises. … More Blessed are the Horoscope Readers
Three Kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar; Three Wise Men out of the East were they, And they travelled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all the other stars of the sky … More The Three Kings (Longfellow)
A friend passed this reflection on the Magi along to me. I’m not sure who wrote it but it’s a good challenge. -JB I can see you there, you scholar, you teacher of the law, with your important position in Herod’s court. Busy, busy, busy with the work of the day. The court stirs…a contingent … More Scholar or Magi?
What do we make of the story of the wise men following a magical star from the East to the newborn king in Bethlehem? Sound a bit far-fetched and fairytale-ish? I used to think so as well. Many deny the possibility of a supernatural explanation to begin with. This is unnecessary. If God can bring … More The Star of Bethlehem: One Theory
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem … More VIDEO: The Star of Bethlehem
Jeremy L. Berg 